CORAL CARE
You have just received your new Coral, now what? These are the steps we recommend taking before adding any corals to your aquarium. Please note, this part does NOT include fish, inverts, or anemones.
Your corals will be closed/retracted, and this is completely expected, they have done this to protect themselves during this stressful time, but will eventually open back up once settled in and happy in their new home.
STEP 1:
Carefully open box and inspect packaging for any leaks. Then float bags in your aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to allow the temperature to acclimate.
STEP 2:
Inspect for any DOA, if any are noted, please refer to our DOA policy and follow the steps listed there.
STEP 3:
TIME TO DIP!!!! Using your preferred Dip solution, we personally like and use THE DIP by Fauna Marin, follow the mixing directions as specified on the bottle. Please note, this is for CORALS only!!!!!! You should have a separate container you use for dipping corals exclusively, as some dip solutions can leave a residue that can harm fish and corals if acclimated in the same container.
Why DIP? To be sure you are not introducing unwanted pests and parasites into your aquarium.
Many people skip this step, and later are dealing with infestations that are difficult to irradiate. Even corals from the most trusted source, can have the risk of unwanted hitchhikers, so it is a good habit to get into with every new coral addition.
Once you have dipped your corals, per the recommendations of the product you are using, rinse them off in a separate container of just aquarium water, to prevent transferring any of the Dip solution into your tank.
FISH/INVERTS CARE
STEP 1:
Carefully open box and inspect packaging for any leaks. Then float bags in your aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to allow the temperature to acclimate.
STEP 2:
Inspect for any DOA, if any are noted, please refer to our DOA policy and follow the steps listed there.
STEP 3:
Open bag and put fish in the container with the water they were shipped in, ensuring you are using a container that will keep the fish submerged in water, while still allowing room to add water.
STEP 4:
Slowly add water from your aquarium to your acclamation container that your fish/inverts are in, generally over 30 minutes is sufficient time. Once the salinity and temp match, add your new addition to your aquarium. This is best done, when lights are off and flow has been turned off temporarily to allow your new addition time to find its safe space, without being harassed by the current occupants.
TIPS:
Quarantine everything!!! Any animal from the most trusted source can carry pests and parasites. Even if they have been pre quarantined, the stress from shipping or moving can bring out some issues. Quarantine is a good habit to get into, it allows you to have a tank at the ready in case any fish get sick or hurt, and gives you time to observe your new addition.
Never use an airstone or bubbler during acclimation, this can raise the pH and ammonia levels to deadly levels quickly.
Always acclimate, even if something looks DOA, many inverts go dormant for a while after shipping.
Stress spots on fish is completely normal, they have just been through a lot.
When you add your new fish, it is common for it to show signs of stress, and will most likely hide for a couple days.
Having an acclimation box to put your new tank mate into, may help your current tank mates get use to your new addition. Other tank mates may chase and “pick” on your new fish, so close monitoring and a backup plan is always good to have, in the event you have to remove a fish in a hurry.